The 60-mile stretch of Carolina coastline called the Grand Strand is made up of several distinct communities with their own claims to fame. Myrtle Beach is the Sun Fun Capital for its sunny beaches and fun attractions. Murrells Inlet is known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina” for its abundance of fishing boats, fresh catches and seafood restaurants.
And North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach's musical neighbor to the north, is famous as a song-and-dance town. As the birthplace of the Carolina Shag, South Carolina's official state dance, North Myrtle Beach is also a hot spot for live music, from beach music at the clubs on Ocean Drive to country music at the Alabama Theatre and all kinds of jams at the House of Blues.
North Myrtle Beach is also quick to offer up free concerts all summer long at various venues throughout town. The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is held on the third Friday of each month through September at the North Myrtle Beach Recreation & Sports Complex, and the Music on Main Concert Series hosts local and regional bands every Thursday in the downtown district.
Compass Cove guests are only about a 15-mile drive away from free live music in a family-friendly environment with a a festive atmosphere. The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is held at the Sandhills Bank Amphitheater in the McLeod Seacoast Meadow (150 Citizens Circle in Little River), where visitors can stretch out on beach blankets, kick back in beach chairs or boogie the night away on the grass dance floor.
Held from 7 to 9 p.m., The Sounds of Summer Concert Series attracts some of the most talented musicians in the area. The next show (July 15) features the Paul Grimshaw Band, a talented local quartet that plays a wide variety of classic rock favorites. Too Much Sylvia rocks the crowd on August 19, and the Andrew Thielen Big Band brings the swing to the crowd on September 16.
The Music on Main Concert Series brings a wide selection of music to a pair of different venues on Main Street and the Horseshoe, which is located near the oceanfront at the intersection of Main Street and Ocean Drive. Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for their comfort, and the free concerts routinely run from 7 to 9 p.m.
The series alternates weekly between two stages. The Main Street stage is located at 202 Main Street, while the Horseshoe stage is at 11 South Ocean Blvd. Both venues are within walking distance to some of North Myrtle Beach's top attractions, restaurants and shopping, so you can take the family early and take in all the sights and sounds.
The remaining lineup for 2016 features the following weekly Thursday shows — July 7 (Horseshoe): Marsha Morgan Band; July 14 (Main Street): Tim Clark Band; July 21 (Horseshoe): Carolina Breakers; July 28 (Main Street): Caribbean Chillers; August 4 (Horseshoe): The Catalinas; August 11 (Main Street): Chocolate Chip & Company; August 18 (Horseshoe): Blackwater Rhythm & Blues Band; August 25 (Main Street): Special Blend.
The fall portion of the series kicks off on September 1 (Horseshoe) with the Carolina Soul Band and continues with the following acts — September 8 (Main Street): Six Stylez; September 15 (Horseshoe): Midnight Allie; September 22 (Main Street): Rick Strickland Band; September 29 (Horseshoe): The Hip Pocket Band; October 6 (Horseshoe): The Jim Quick & Coastline Band.
Compass Cove guests can set their compasses for due north to find some of the best music on the Strand, then head back to the resort to continue their relaxing vacation experience.
